How Does a Narcissist React to Being Blocked: 12 Ways of Conduct

Blocking a narcissist is a decision that many individuals contemplate when dealing with the challenges of interacting with someone who exhibits narcissistic personality traits. 

Narcissism is a complex and often problematic personality disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, a lack of empathy for others, and a tendency to manipulate and exploit those around them for personal gain. 

If you don’t know how does a narcissist react to being blocked, dealing with them can be emotionally draining, frustrating, and even detrimental to one’s well-being.

The decision to block a narcissist, whether on social media or in other forms of communication, is a matter of personal choice and depends on various factors. It can be a protective measure to safeguard one’s mental and emotional health. 

Blocking a narcissist can help create boundaries, minimize exposure to their manipulative tactics, and reduce the negative impact they have on your life. However, it’s important to consider the context of your relationship with the narcissist, potential consequences, and your own well-being when making this decision.

Let’s understand the reasons one might consider blocking the narcissist, the potential benefits and drawbacks, and alternative strategies for dealing with them effectively. 

Ultimately, the decision to block a narcissist should be made with careful consideration of your own needs, boundaries, and the specific dynamics of the relationship in question.

How does a narcissist react to being blocked: 12 behavioral examples

Blocking a narcissist can trigger a range of reactions, as they often have a fragile ego and are highly sensitive to perceived threats to their self-esteem and control. 

While the specific response may vary depending on the individual and the nature of your relationship with them, here are 12 ways that a narcissist may react when they discover they have been blocked:

1. Rage and outbursts

When a narcissist realizes they’ve been blocked, they can react with explosive anger. This intense rage is a response to the perceived threat to their control and ego. 

They may flood your inbox with furious messages, leave voicemails filled with expletives, or even show up at your doorstep in a fit of fury. 

This reaction stems from their inability to handle rejection and their desperate need for admiration and validation.

According to Grady Shumway, a licensed mental health counselor:

Such outbursts can be overwhelming and frightening, underscoring the narcissist’s emotional volatility and the challenges of setting boundaries in the relationship.

Recognizing these patterns is essential for safeguarding your emotional well-being.

2. Attempts to manipulate

Narcissists are skilled manipulators, and when blocked, they often resort to cunning tactics to regain control. They may try to manipulate you into unblocking them by using guilt, flattery, or empty promises to change their ways. 

They’ll minimize their own harmful behaviors and shift blame onto you, attempting to play on your emotions and vulnerabilities.

3. Victim playing 

Some narcissists adopt a victim mentality when they’ve been blocked. They cast themselves as the injured party, claiming that you’ve wronged them by blocking them and portraying you as the aggressor. 

This manipulative tactic is aimed at eliciting sympathy and support from others, making it appear as though you’re the one who has done something wrong.

4. Smear campaigns 

To protect their image and control the narrative, narcissists may launch a smear campaign against you when blocked. 

They may spread false information, gossip, or negative stories about you to damage your credibility and isolate you from mutual friends or acquaintances. This strategy is designed to maintain their facade of superiority while tarnishing your reputation.

5. Hoovering 

Hoovering is a tactic where the narcissist attempts to draw you back into their life after you’ve cut ties. When blocked, they may oscillate between periods of intense remorse and nostalgia. During these phases, they’ll send messages filled with regret and affection, seeking to lure you back into their manipulative web.

6. Gaslighting 

Narcissists often employ gaslighting techniques to make you doubt your own perception of reality. When blocked, they may claim that you’re overreacting, imagining things, or misinterpreting their actions. Gaslighting is intended to make you second-guess your decision to block them and question your own judgment.

7. Silent treatment 

Some narcissists respond to being blocked with the silent treatment. They’ll withhold communication for an extended period, banking on your fear of abandonment to prompt you to unblock them and seek their approval. This tactic is used to regain control and power over the situation.

8. Creating alternate accounts 

In the digital age, narcissists may go to great lengths to circumvent the block. They might create fake social media profiles or use the accounts of friends or family members to continue monitoring your life. This persistence underscores their determination to maintain control and access to your information.

9. Stalking and harassment 

In extreme cases, a narcissist’s reaction to being blocked can escalate to stalking or harassment. They may follow you physically, spy on your online activities, or make unwelcome advances, causing significant distress and potentially leading to legal consequences.

10. Sudden charm offensive 

When blocked, some narcissists switch tactics and suddenly become excessively charming and apologetic. 

They may shower you with gifts, compliments, and promises of change in a bid to regain your favor and access to your life. This charm offensive is a manipulative ploy to regain control over the relationship.

11. Threats and ultimatums

In moments of desperation, narcissists may resort to issuing threats or ultimatums when blocked. They may employ emotional manipulation, such as threatening self-harm or legal action, to coerce you into unblocking them. The specific nature of the threat can vary depending on the narcissist’s personality and available resources.

Grady Shumway, LMHC further shares:

These tactics aim to regain control and instill fear, highlighting their unwillingness to respect boundaries.

It’s crucial to recognize these manipulative behaviors as indicators of a toxic relationship dynamic.

12. Seeking allies 

Narcissists may reach out to mutual friends, family members, or acquaintances when blocked, attempting to recruit allies who can pressure you to unblock them. They may manipulate others into believing their version of events, casting you as the wrongdoer, and portraying themselves as the victim. 

This strategy is used to isolate you further and manipulate social dynamics in their favor.

Should you block a Narcissist: 15 reasons to consider

Wondering “Should I block a narcissist?” 

Blocking a narcissist can be a prudent and necessary step in certain situations, and there are several compelling reasons why you should consider doing so. Dealing with a narcissist can be emotionally draining and harmful to your well-being, and blocking them can help protect yourself from their toxic behavior. 

Here are 15 reasons why you should consider blocking a narcissist:

1. Protect your mental health

Interacting with a narcissist can take a toll on your mental health. Their constant need for validation, manipulation, and emotional abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Blocking them can help you preserve your mental well-being.

2. Establish boundaries

Narcissists often have poor boundaries and will push them relentlessly. When you block the narcissist, it is a clear way to set a firm boundary and protect yourself from their intrusive behavior.

3. Avoid manipulation

Narcissists are skilled manipulators who use various tactics to control others. By blocking them, you reduce their ability to manipulate you through guilt, gaslighting, or other coercive methods.

4. Prevent gaslighting

Narcissists frequently engage in gaslighting, making you doubt your reality and perceptions. Blocking them can prevent them from continuing this harmful practice and help you maintain your sense of reality.

5. Stop emotional abuse

Narcissists can be emotionally abusive, subjecting you to constant criticism, insults, and belittlement. Blocking them allows you to escape this cycle of abuse and regain emotional stability.

6. Maintain your independence

Narcissists often seek to control every aspect of your life. Blocking them helps you regain independence and make decisions for yourself without their interference.

7. Protect your privacy

Narcissists may invade your privacy by monitoring your online activities or sharing personal information without your consent. Blocking them safeguards your privacy and personal data.

8. Prevent smear campaigns

Narcissists may launch smear campaigns to damage your reputation. Blocking them limits their ability to spread false information about you and protects your social and professional standing.

9. Reduce stress

Interacting with a narcissist is inherently stressful. Blocking them can provide relief from the constant tension and emotional turmoil that accompanies such interactions.

10. Escape the drama

Narcissists thrive on drama and conflict. By blocking them, you remove yourself from their drama and create a calmer, more peaceful environment for yourself.

11. Break the cycle

Narcissistic relationships often follow a cycle of idealization, devaluation, and discard. Blocking them can be the first step in breaking this cycle and allowing yourself to heal.

12. Protect your support system

Narcissists may attempt to manipulate your friends and family members. Blocking them can help shield your support system from the narcissist’s influence.

13. Focus on self-improvement

Dealing with a narcissist can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. Blocking them frees up your time and energy to focus on personal growth and self-improvement.

14. Avoid future conflicts

Continuing contact with a narcissist can lead to ongoing conflicts and potential legal issues. Blocking them can help you avoid further complications.

15. Prioritize your happiness

Ultimately, blocking a narcissist is a step toward prioritizing your own happiness and well-being. It’s essential to put your mental and emotional health first and remove toxic influences from your life.

FAQs

In this section, know how does a narcissist react to being blocked and what happens when you block a narcissist.

• Why do people block narcissists?

People block narcissists to protect their mental health, establish boundaries, avoid manipulation, and escape emotional abuse, as interactions with narcissists can be distressing and harmful.

• Can a narcissist track me down if I block them?

While a narcissist may attempt to track you down through alternate means, such as creating fake accounts, blocking them on social media can still limit their direct access to your online presence.

• Can I block a narcissist on social media?

Yes, you can block a narcissist on social media platforms to prevent them from contacting you or viewing your posts, helping to maintain your privacy and peace of mind.

• What should I do if a narcissist is trying to contact me through mutual friends?

If a narcissist is trying to contact you through mutual friends, communicate your boundaries clearly to those friends and ask them not to relay messages or information about you to the narcissist.

Here’s a helpful video on what to do when a narcissist tries to contact you after No Contact:

• What should I do if a narcissist is spreading rumors about me?

When a narcissist is spreading rumors about you, consider addressing the situation directly with those affected by the rumors, provide evidence if necessary, and seek legal advice if the defamation poses a significant threat to your reputation or well-being.

Protect your well-being

Dealing with a narcissist can be emotionally challenging and potentially harmful, necessitating protective measures such as blocking them. 

This decision is driven by the need to safeguard one’s mental health, establish boundaries, and break free from manipulation and emotional abuse. While blocking is a practical step, it’s essential to anticipate potential reactions and prioritize safety. 

Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can be invaluable during this process. Additionally, consider counseling or courses that specialize in coping with narcissistic relationships, as they can provide valuable tools and strategies to navigate these complex dynamics and prioritize your own well-being.